Brush container system &amp; method

ABSTRACT

A system for brushing and cleaning includes an elongate handle forming a void for containing contents, a bristle structure longitudinally connected to the elongate handle, a cap connected to the elongate handle for enclosing the void of the elongate handle, and a dispenser connected to the cap for selectively channeling between the void and external to the elongate handle. The bristle structure includes bristles for brushing or combing. The handle contains contents, such as cleanser or shampoo. The dispenser selectively dispenses the contents. The handle is refillable with contents when emptied.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally relates to brushes and containers for cleaning and grooming supplies, and more specifically relates to brushes forming enclosures for containing contents, such as cleaning or grooming solutions or powders.

BACKGROUND

Brushes are often used to groom and clean. Pets, such as dogs and cats, for example, are often brushed during washing to clean and groom the pet's hair. Brushes are available in various styles, which styles typically differ in structural shape and type of the bristles. Brush structural shapes, for example, have ranged from hand-held blocks of extending bristles, to various configurations of grippable handle portions connected to extensions formed with bristles. Brush bristles typically vary in materials forming the bristles, for example, bristles may be plastic, nylon, wire, natural or artificial hair or other filaments, and also in bristle stiffness, count, shape, length and density.

In cleaning and grooming, soaps, cleansers, conditioners, lotions and the like are used during washing and brushing. Pets, for example, are often washed with soap or cleanser and brushed during washing. Cleanser is typically contained in a segregated bottle or similar unitary container of the cleanser. The bottle or container of cleanser must be obtained from storage, positioned near the washing operation, handled and opened, poured and closed during cleaning In the case of pet grooming, manual restraint of the pet, as well as handling of brush, cleanser bottle and other grooming supplies, may be required. Foresight is necessary to locate and position needed grooming supplies, and cleanser or similar materials are not conveniently disposed for dispensing.

It would be desirable to provide new and improved systems and methods for conveniently supplying liquids or powders, such as cleanser or the like, in vicinity of a brush. It would also be desirable to provide for easy dispensing of the liquids or powders when using a brush. It would further be desirable to allow refill of liquids or powders used in connection with brushing, once supplies of these have been exhausted. Finally, it would be beneficial to provide systems and methods that reduce chance of unintended spills or dispensing of liquids and powders when brushing.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the invention is a brush. The brush includes a handle enclosure forming a void and a spout, a bristle holder connected to the handle enclosure, and an end cap connected to the spout for enclosing the void of the handle enclosure.

Another embodiment of the invention is a brush. The brush includes a handle forming a void and an opening to the void, a bristle holder connected to the handle, a cap connected to the handle for closing the opening to the void of the handle to seal the void, a port formed of the cap, the port channeling between the void of the handle and external to the handle, and a stopper for selectively opening and closing the port.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a container. The container includes an enclosure forming a void and a spout, the enclosure sufficient for manual gripping, a bristle device connected to the enclosure, and a closure device connected to the enclosure for sealing the spout.

Another embodiment of the invention is a system. The system includes an elongate handle forming a void for containing a content, a bristle structure longitudinally connected to the elongate handle, a cap connected to the elongate handle for enclosing the void of the elongate handle, and a dispenser connected to the cap for selectively channeling between the void and external to the elongate handle.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a method of manufacture of a brush. The method includes forming an elongate handle, the elongate handle forms a container and an opening to the container, forming a bristle holder longitudinally connected to the elongate handle, removably connecting a cap to the elongate handle to seal the opening, and forming a dispenser in the cap.

Another embodiment of the invention is a method of manufacture of a container. The method includes providing a handle formed with a void and an opening, connecting the handle to a bristle structure, removably connecting an end cap to the handle to seal the opening, and forming a dispenser in the end cap, the dispenser selectively forms a throughway from within the void to external to the handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a system for brushing formed of a handle enclosure and a bristle holder, the handle enclosure includes a void for containing contents (shown in phantom), according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a system for brushing formed of a handle enclosure having a spout and a removable end cap to close the spout and seal the handle enclosure, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a system for brushing formed of a handle enclosure having a removable end cap including a dispenser, the dispenser allows selective pouring of contents contained within the handle enclosure, according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another system for brushing formed of a handle enclosure having a removable finger actuated mechanical pump including a dispenser nozzle, the actuator of the pump allows contents contained within the handle enclosure to be drawn from within the enclosure and dispersed through the nozzle, according to certain embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIG. 4, with the finger actuated mechanical pump removed from attachment to the handle enclosure, such as for filling of the enclosure or replacement of the end cap with the pump, according to certain embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a system 100 for grooming includes a handle enclosure 2 connected to a bristle holder 4. The handle enclosure 2 is elongate, having a fore end 6 and an aft end 16. The handle enclosure 2 is formed as a walled hollow tube or cylinder of diameter and length suitable for gripping by hand. The bristle holder 4 connectedly extends generally longitudinally from the fore end 6 of the handle enclosure 2. The bristle holder 4 includes outwardly extending bristles 8 for brushing. For example, the bristles 8 extend from a surface 5 of the bristle holder 4. The surface 5 may be planar, semi-spherical or other shape, of length and width as desired for numbers and placement of the bristles 8.

An end cap 14 is connected to the handle enclosure 2 at the aft end 16 opposite the bristle holder 4. The handle enclosure 2 forms a void 10 for containing a content 12. The content 12 can be a liquid, powder, or other composition, for example, such as a shampoo, soap, cleanser, conditioner, lotion or other. The end cap 14 securely connects to the handle enclosure 2 to prevent spillage of the content 12 contained within the void 10 of the handle enclosure 2.

The end cap 14 includes a dispenser 18. The dispenser 18 is selectively opened to allow pouring of the content 12 contained within the void 10 of the handle enclosure 2 and closed to seal the content 12 within the void 10 of the handle enclosure 2. The handle enclosure 2 is pliable to allow squeeze pressure to be applied by hand, to aid dispensing of the content 12 when the dispenser 18 is opened.

In operation, the handle enclosure 2 is gripped by hand and the bristles 8 of the bristle holder 4 are manipulated across a surface, such as the hair and body of a pet. The void 10 contains or can be filled with the content 12. If the content 12 is desired during cleaning or grooming, the dispenser 18 is opened and the content 12 can be poured from within the handle enclosure 2. To prevent spillage of the content 12 from the handle enclosure 2, the dispenser 18 is closed.

The handle enclosure 2 and the bristle holder 4 of the system 100 are each manufactured by molding, extrusion, or as respective components joined in elongate manner, such as by glue, adhesive, weld, or other means. Materials of the handle enclosure 2 and bristle holder 4 can include plastics, nylon, rubber, and others. The bristle holder 4 is generally fairly rigid, and can be solid in cross-section or alternately ribbed or comprised of a shell or structural elements. The bristle holder 4 may therefore alternately be formed of another material, such as wood, metal, or the like. The handle enclosure 2 is formed cylindrical in shape, with a fore end 6 and an aft end 16. The handle enclosure 2 is generally fairly less rigid and more pliable, for example, walls of the cylindrical shape are of limited generally uniform thickness, to allow hand squeezing of the handle enclosure 2 to more readily disperse the content 12. Materials of the handle enclosure 2 return to the generally cylindrical shape when squeeze pressure is not applied. A variety of materials are possible for the bristles 8, for example, plastic, nylon or steel filaments, natural animal or synthetic hair bristles, and others. The bristles 8 are secured to the bristle holder 4 in suitable manner, such as by glue, pad, weld, or otherwise, to prevent loss of the bristles 8 during use.

Referring to FIG. 2, a system 200 includes the handle enclosure 2 and bristle holder 4 of the system 100 of FIG. 1. In the system 200, the end cap 14 is selectively removable from the handle enclosure 2. The handle enclosure 2 is formed with a spout 20 or similar throughway to the void 10 of the handle enclosure 2. The spout 20 includes outer screw threads 22. The end cap 14 includes a connector segment 24 for mating with the spout 20. The connector segment 24 includes inner mating screw threads 26 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2) for securing the end cap 14 with the spout 20 of the handle enclosure 2.

In operation, the end cap 14 is removed from the spout 20 of the handle enclosure 2, for example, by unscrewing the inner mating screw threads 26 of the end cap 14 from the outer screw threads 22 of the handle enclosure 2, and positioning the end cap 14 away from the spout 20. The handle enclosure 2 is manipulated to position the spout 20 generally vertically upward, and content 12 is poured into the spout 20 to fill (in whole or part, as desired) the void 10 of the handle enclosure 2. The end cap 14 is then replaced on the spout 20 and securely screwed to contain the content 12 when the dispenser 18 is closed. When dispensing of the content 12 is desired, the dispenser 18 is manually opened and the content 12 dispensed.

Referring to FIG. 3, a system 300 includes the handle enclosure 2 (of FIGS. 1 and 2) filled with the content 12, for example, a liquid or powder soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, cleanser or the like. The end cap 14 is connected to the handle enclosure 2. The end cap 14 includes the dispenser 18. The dispenser 18 is, for example, a hinged lid that snaps open and closed to cover a port 30. In certain embodiments, a port surface 32 is formed by the end cap 14, together with the dispenser 18 attached at an edge of the port surface 32 by a hinge 36 of the end cap 14. The dispenser 18 includes a port stopper 34 positioned in the dispenser 18 for mating with and sealing the port 30 when the dispenser 18, via the hinge 36, is positioned against the port surface 32.

In operation, the hinged lid of the dispenser 18 is propped away from port surface 32, such as by manual force. The dispenser 18 swings on the hinge 36 away from the port surface 32, disengaging the port stopper 34 from the port 30. Thereafter, the content 12 is poured (indicated by arrow A) through the port 30 from the handle enclosure 2. To aid pouring, the handle enclosure 2, in embodiments in which the handle enclosure 2 is formed of pliable materials, may be squeezed by hand to force the content 12 from the void 10 through the port 30. When a desired amount of the content 12 is poured, the dispenser 18 is swung on the hinge 36 back against the port surface 32 and pressed to securely engage the port stopper 34 with the port 30.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, another system 400 for grooming includes the handle enclosure 2 connected to the bristle holder 4. Bristles 8 outwardly extend from the surface of the bristle holder 4 for brushing. The handle enclosure 2 is elongate, having the fore end 6 and the aft end 16, and is formed as a walled hollow tube or cylinder of diameter and length suitable for gripping by hand and forming the void 10 for containing a content (not shown in FIG. 4). In comparison to the end cap 14 of certain other embodiments, however, a pump sprayer 44, for example, a finger actuated mechanical pump sprayer, replaces the end cap 14.

The pump sprayer 44 includes a securement ring 47 holding an actuator 47 connected to a collection tube 49. The actuator 47 includes a mechanical pump (not shown in detail) connecting the collection tube 49 to a dispersion nozzle 45. A press end 43 of the pump sprayer 44 provides a surface for finger depression of the actuator 47. On pressing the actuator 44 at the press end 43, the actuator 44 is directed longitudinally a small increment towards the aft end 16 of the handle enclosure 2 within the securement ring 47.

The securement ring 47 includes internal threads 51 or other securement mechanism for removably securing the actuator 44 to the handle enclosure 2, for example, via the spout 20 or similar throughway (not shown) of the handle enclosure 2. The spout 20 can include outer screw threads 22, and the securement ring 47 of the actuator 44, for example, includes the inner mating screw threads 51 for attachment to the spout 20. The actuator 44, when attached to the spout 20 via the securement ring 47, encloses the void of the handle enclosure 2 to prevent spillage of a content when contained within the void of the handle enclosure 2. The content is a dispersible liquid, for example, as a shampoo, soap, cleanser, conditioner, lotion or other.

In operation, the handle enclosure 2 is gripped by hand and the bristles 8 of the bristle holder 4 are manipulated across a surface, such as the hair and body of a pet. Content is contained in the handle enclosure 2, or the handle enclosure 2 can be filled with the content, and the actuator 44 is secured to the spout 20 of the handle enclosure 2 to prevent spillage of the content. If the content is desired during cleaning or grooming, the press end 43 of the actuator 44 is pressed, the actuator 44 travels an interval towards the aft end 16 within the securement ring 47, and content is thereby pulled into and through the collection tube 49 towards the nozzle 45 and dispersed from the nozzle 45.

The actuator 44, including the securement ring 47, the nozzle 45 and the collection tube 49, are each manufactured by molding, extrusion, or as respective components joined in suitable operative manner. Materials can include plastics, nylon, rubber, and others. The actuator 44 is generally fairly rigid, sufficient to withstand repeated finger actuation at the press end 43, and can include various structural, spring, and other elements, as applicable.

In certain alternatives, the void of the handle enclosure can be sealed by the end cap or by the actuator, as desired. For example, the system can be provided as a unit, with both end cap and actuator, or, alternately, with only an end cap or an actuator, and the end cap may be replaced with the actuator, and vice versa, as desired by the user.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and device(s), connection(s) and element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprises, “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A brush, comprising: a handle enclosure forming a void and a spout; a bristle holder connected to the handle enclosure; and an end cap connected to the spout for enclosing the void of the handle enclosure.
 2. The brush of claim 1, further comprising: bristles extending from the bristle holder; wherein the handle enclosure extends longitudinally sufficient for gripping during brushing.
 3. The brush of claim 2, further comprising: a dispenser formed of the end cap, selectively openable and closeable.
 4. The brush of claim 3, wherein the end cap is selectively removable from the spout to allow filling of the void of the handle enclosure.
 5. A brush, comprising: a handle forming a void and an opening to the void; a bristle holder connected to the handle; a cap connected to the handle for closing the opening to the void of the handle to seal the void; a port formed of the cap, the port channeling between the void of the handle and external to the handle; and a stopper for selectively opening and closing the port.
 6. The brush of claim 5, further comprising: a securement device of the handle, for securely connecting the cap to the handle and allowing selective removal of the cap from the handle; wherein the cap is removed from the handle to fill the void of the handle.
 7. A container, comprising: an enclosure forming a void and a spout, the enclosure sufficient for manual gripping; a bristle device connected to the enclosure; and a closure device connected to the enclosure for sealing the spout.
 8. The container of claim 7, further comprising: a dispenser connected to the enclosure for selectively channeling between the void and external to the enclosure.
 9. The container of claim 7, wherein the enclosure is fillable through the spout be disconnecting the closure device from the enclosure.
 10. The container of claim 8, wherein the dispenser is manually operable.
 11. The container of claim 8, wherein the dispenser is connected to the closure device and operative without disconnecting the closure device from the enclosure.
 12. A system, comprising: an elongate handle forming a void for containing a content; a bristle structure longitudinally connected to the elongate handle; a cap connected to the elongate handle for enclosing the void of the elongate handle; and a dispenser connected to the cap for selectively channeling between the void and external to the elongate handle.
 13. A method of manufacture of a brush, comprising the steps of: forming an elongate handle, the elongate handle forms a container and an opening to the container; forming a bristle holder longitudinally connected to the elongate handle; removably connecting a cap to the elongate handle to seal the opening; and forming a dispenser in the cap.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of removably connecting the cap includes forming threads of the elongate handle adjacent the opening and forming mating threads internally in the cap.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of: supplying bristles connected to the bristle holder.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of forming the elongate handle includes forming a pliable walled generally cylindrical tube suitable for manual grip.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the pliable walled generally cylindrical tube is manually squeezable and returns to shape after squeezed.
 18. A method of manufacture of a container, comprising the steps of: providing a handle formed with a void and an opening; connecting the handle to a bristle structure; removably connecting an end cap to the handle to seal the opening; and forming a dispenser in the end cap, the dispenser selectively forms a throughway from within the void to external to the handle.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of forming the dispenser includes forming a port in the end cap and forming a hinged lid of the end cap sufficient to close the port.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of: filling the void with a content prior to removably connecting the end cap.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of: refilling the void when emptied, by removing the end cap from the handle, filling the void through the opening, and re-connecting the end cap to the handle.
 22. A brush, comprising: a handle enclosure forming a void and a spout; a bristle holder connected to the handle enclosure; and an mechanically actuated finger pump dispenser connected to the spout for enclosing the void of the handle enclosure. 